100 U.S. 14
Utica, MN, USA

Benjamin Ellsworth House

The Benjamin Ellsworth House is a historic house in Utica, Minnesota, United States. It was built in 1873 for Benjamin Ellsworth (1826–1890), the founder of Utica. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for its local significance in the themes of architecture and exploration/settlement. It was nominated for its associations with Ellsworth and for the degree of preservation of its original design.

National Register of Historic Places - Benjamin Ellsworth House

Statement of Significance:

The Benjamin Ellsworth House is significant for the architectural integrity of its original design and for its association as the homestead of the founder of Utica. Benjamin Ellsworth was born on July 8, 1826, in Franklin County, Maine. He spent his early years working the family farm. Upon reaching maturity, Ellsworth made his way west eventually arriving in Winona County. He engaged in the grain business and, in 1860, purchased several quarter sections of farmland in Utica Township. In 1863, the Winona & St. Peter Railroad made its way to the area and Ellsworth built a warehouse on his land near the railroad tracks. The warehouse served as a grain market - from which Ellsworth shipped the first carload of grain over the newly completed line - and as a depot for the railroad. In 1866, Ellsworth platted the Village of Utica on land he owned which lay south of the railroad tracks. Seventy lots, 60 feet wide and ranging in depth from 132 to 160 feet, were arranged at right angles to the railroad line. To boost the fledgling town's development, Ellsworth built the first structure - a grain elevator. As the town flourished, land for a school, church, and cemetery were also donated by Ellsworth. In 1866, he married Emma Campbell, a Franklin County native. Seven years later they built their spacious home on a knoll overlooking the town. The grand style of the house clearly set a standard of excellence for the community. Its cube-like form, low pitch hipped roof and segmental arch openings all express the restrained elegance of the Italianate style. In 1885, fire destroyed the town leaving only the Ellsworth home and one other intact. The community rebuilt after the fire and again prospered. Benjamin Ellsworth died in 1890, but the roots he set down have continued to flourish. Three successive generations of Ellsworths have operated the family farm and lived in the home he built, and each has left his mark on the community.